The former Italy defender crushed the Scots' Euro 2008 dream when his injury-time header secured the Azzurri a 2-1 win in Glasgow.

Panucci described the match 11 years ago as "probably the best night of my career" and in this UEFA Nations League clash – Scotland's first in Group C1, he is looking to capitalise on any Scottish fragility following the 4-0 friendly defeat by Belgium on Friday night.

Speaking at the national stadium after his squad had taken a look at the pitch and surroundings, Panucci, speaking through an interpreter, said: "The Scots will be suffering after the defeat and will be low on confidence.

"We know Scotland will be hurting after the 4-0 defeat and we will come here to do our best to win the match.

"They know better than anyone that they need to find the courage to move on from the defeat and move forward.

"They will wear the shirt with lots of pride, we know that and we know they will be extremely difficult to beat.

"It is hard to say if Scotland have moved forward or back since that night I played.

"But it is never easy to play Scotland, especially with them hurting after this defeat.

"Scotland have good quality and are difficult to play against.

"We will give them the utmost respect but we will try and win the game."

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